As much as I enjoy Lady, this tune is the one that set this artist on a course for solo superstardom.  Add in the appearance of a Motown legend, and you have one of the most popular pop/adult contemporary songs of all time.  It’s also the slowest song in this countdown.  Coming in at #15 is Endless Love by Lionel Richie & Diana Ross.

I remember hearing our next 1981 entry a lot during Friday morning shows, and still to this day, it’s known as one of the ultimate weekend songs.  It doesn’t hurt that it rocks as well, and may well be this band’s biggest and most-lasting song of their career.  Rocking to #16 is Working For the Weekend by Loverboy.

While they could make a bigger mark in next year’s countdown (wait and see), it took a couple of listens for me to agree that this song deserves its place in the Top 20 1981 songs countdown.  This song has since grown over time and its famous lick is still heard today. At #17 in my countdown it’s Centerfold by J. Geils Band.

This is a song that had to push out steep competition from the likes of Hall & Oates, Rick James and The Commodores.  However, this song’s indelible mark on pop music and culture is undeniable, especially when you have the Muppets covering it (google it).  I think after listening, “you may find yourself” agreeing that this song belongs at least at #18.  It’s Once in a Lifetime by The Talking Heads.

The next 1981 song in our countdown almost didn’t make it as well and required another listen.  Still, it was hard not to include the song that features probably the most famous phone number in pop music.  I guarantee you’ll be reciting it today after you finish listening to the tune coming in today at #19: 867-5309 by Tommy Tutone.

We kick off the countdown of the Top 20 Songs Turning 40 Years Old in 2021 with a song by the only group that has managed to have appeared 3 consecutive times in these countdowns.  This rather unassuming, non-controversial track initially didn’t make it in, until a second listen grooved me enough to place it at #20 – Get Down On It from Kool & The Gang.